NIA Arrests Key Accused Abdul Rahaman in Praveen Nettaru Murder After Two Years

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Abdul Rahaman, a key suspect in the murder of BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Nettaru. Rahaman was arrested at Kannur International Airport upon his arrival from Qatar. The NIA confirmed the arrest as a significant breakthrough in their ongoing investigation into the targeted killing, carried out by members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). Previously, the NIA had arrested Ateeq Ahmed, another key accused, in January. Ateeq was found to have assisted and harbored Mustafa Paichar, the chief conspirator, who planned and executed the murder as part of PFI’s agenda. After the attack, Mustafa evaded law enforcement, with Ateeq facilitating his movement, including transportation to Chennai. The NIA took over the case in August 2022 and discovered that PFI had formed secret teams, known as ‘PFI Service Teams,’ trained for targeted killings, including Nettaru’s. Praveen Nettaru was killed in Bellare village, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka.